Ciscomani Introduces Bipartisan Bill Streamlining Early Childhood Education Training

Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) has introduced a bipartisan bill with Representative Mikie Sherill (D-NJ) that would streamline the process of becoming an early childhood teacher to address the current shortage.

Rep. Ciscomani's bill is named the "Head Start Education and Development Workforce Advancement and Yield" (HEADWAY) Act, which allows teachers in Early Head Start programs to work while earning Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, thereby affording Early Head Start programs greater hiring flexibility and reducing the shortage.

Head Start and Early Head Start are federally funded systems designed to help low-income families and expectant mothers with children under 5 with education and family support, helping eligible individuals and families with other services in their communities, such as healthcare. The programs also include children with special needs, children facing homelessness, and children in foster care.

In his press release, Rep. Ciscomani called upon his own experiences as a father of six, saying, "As a dad of six, I understand firsthand the critical role early childhood development programs play and the need to expand access for students and families in need."

Additionally, he noted that "With 22 Head Start programs across 500 locations in Arizona, these programs are critical to the well-being of our families and students. However, too often, families in need are unable to access these programs due to the shortage in the childcare workforce."

Thus, the Arizona Congressman concluded, "The HEADWAY Act makes great strides to address the staffing shortages by investing in our educators and ensuring that students and families in need have access to these vital programs."

Similarly, Rep. Sherill said, "Head Start is a critical program that ensures parents have access to safe, affordable childcare while setting up our kids for a lifetime of learning and success."

Like Ciscomani, she expressed concerns about how "Head Start and other childcare providers across New Jersey time and again about the challenges they face trying to find staff, limiting the number of families they can serve and creating financial hardships."

"I'm proud to help reintroduce the HEADWAY Act to address staffing shortages at Early Head Start programs and provide economic opportunities to New Jerseyans pursuing a career in early childhood education. This bill is an important step in the right direction as we work to expand affordable childcare access to every New Jersey family," Rep. Sherill concluded.